Sergeant First Class Alwyn C. Cashe, born July 13, 1970, in Sanford, FL, and raised in Oviedo, FL, brought a strong sense of duty into his Army career when he enlisted as a supply specialist in 1988. In 1993, he became an infantryman, a path that would later place him in the Iraq War. 

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, SFC Cashe served as a platoon sergeant in Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. He was known as a trusted leader for whom his soldiers could rely on for help and guidance. 

On October 17, 2005, SFC Cashe and his platoon were on patrol near Samarra when the Bradley Fighting Vehicle under his charge came under small-arms fire and was struck by an improvised explosive device, bursting into flames. 

SFC Cashe escaped the vehicle and, with another soldier, pulled out the trapped driver. Despite suffering severe burns, he repeatedly re-entered the burning vehicle to rescue his fellow soldiers. 

He pulled six comrades from the wreckage and refused medical evacuation until the other wounded soldiers had been evacuated first. 

His actions showed extraordinary selflessness, courage, and devotion to duty. SFC Cashe died from his burns on November 8, 2005, at age 35, and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. 

Years later, a strong effort led to his award being upgraded. On December 16, 2021, Sergeant First Class Alwyn C. Cashe was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in a ceremony where his widow, Tamara, accepted it from President Biden. 

His courage, sacrifice, and example continue to inspire the nation and all who wear the uniform. SFC Cashe is survived by his spouse, Tamara Cashe, his daughters, Lajada and Alexis, and his son, Andrew. 

Honor veterans like Alwyn C. Cashe and watch more stories on our YouTube channel.

Hip pain is a common source of VA disability because military service often involves heavy physical strain, repetitive impact, and injuries that can damage the hips over time.  

Depending on the underlying condition, symptom severity, and loss of function, the VA may assign ratings ranging from 10% to 90%. If both hips are service-connected, the VA may also apply the bilateral factor to increase the combined rating. 

VA Rating for Hip Pain 

The VA does not assign a single rating for hip pain by itself. Instead, it rates the underlying hip condition. According to the article, hip-related ratings can range from: 

Is Hip Pain a Presumptive Condition? 

Hip pain alone is not presumptive, but some underlying conditions can qualify, including: 

How to Service-Connect Hip Pain 

To receive VA disability for a hip condition, veterans generally must provide: 

Supporting evidence such as military records, post-service treatment records, buddy statements, and consistent reports of symptoms can strengthen a claim. 

Secondary Conditions and Causes That Can Increase VA Compensation 

Some veterans may qualify for service connection for hip pain on a secondary basis if the condition was caused or worsened by another service-connected disability, including: 

If Your Claim Is Denied 

Veterans can challenge a denial or low rating by: 

Strong medical evidence, a clear nexus, and detailed explanations of functional limitations can improve the odds of a successful outcome.

If you’re facing challenges with your claim and need assistance, reach out for a free case evaluation.

This weekly livestream goes beyond Q&A. In addition to answering your questions about VA disability law and the claims process, our legal team now features more information about the claims process than ever before. Comments open 1 hour prior to the Livestream starting, so get there early to get your question in. We try to answer as many as we can!

Many U.S. veterans were exposed to asbestos during their time in service, often without knowing the risks. Years later, this exposure has led to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related lung cancers for countless veterans.

If you served in the military and have been diagnosed, you may qualify for compensation. Our firm proudly helps veterans and their families pursue the benefits and justice they deserve.

Act now. Contact us today at (855) 494-1298 to learn more about your options or to begin your claim. You’ve served your country; let us serve you.

🗺️ TACTICS

In this week’s video, attorney Rachel Cheek explains that arthritis is not just one condition. She breaks it into two main types: degenerative arthritis, which results from wear and tear over time, and rheumatoid arthritis, an immune disorder that can flare and cause swelling, stiffness, and pain. 

She also reminds veterans that service-connected arthritis does not have to result from a single dramatic injury. It can develop over years of hard impact on the body. Repeated strain, parachute jumps, or even minor injuries during service may lead to arthritis later in life. 

When it comes to ratings, attorney Cheek explains that VA typically considers how much the affected joint can actually move. In some cases, veterans may receive separate ratings for different kinds of limited motion in the same joint. She also highlights the painful motion rule. This can support a 10% rating when arthritis causes pain, even if range-of-motion loss does not fully meet the standard for a higher rating. 

One key nugget she stresses is that veterans should not describe arthritis based solely on how they feel on a "good day." Attorney Cheek encourages veterans to speak honestly about flare-ups and limitations on their worst days. They should describe how the condition really affects daily life. Keeping a journal can help document those patterns and strengthen a claim. 

She closes by noting that arthritis claims may open the door to additional benefits. These include increased ratings as the condition gets worse, secondary mental health claims, and TDIU if arthritis makes steady work impossible. In severe cases, special monthly compensation or aid and attendance may be available. 

At Hill & Ponton, we specialize in helping veterans navigate the VA appeals process to secure the benefits they rightfully deserve. Whether you're facing a denied claim, an appeal for a higher rating, or need assistance gathering critical evidence, our team is ready to advocate for you.

Use our VA Disability Calculator to see if your current rating aligns with your level of disability and explore potential increases based on any secondary conditions you may have. Calculate Your VA Disability Rating Now!